Moberly’s Ice Rink provides wintertime fun for families
Gracie Jamerson has a new favorite holiday tradition — ice skating with her best friend, Madeline Schmidt, at Moberly’s Ice Rink. The two 7-year-olds were first-time ice skaters last year, but they are now huge fans. They made about a dozen trips to the rink in 2023 and can’t wait for it to open on Nov. 29.
“Skating is not so hard, but we fell a lot,” Gracie says. “We’re pretty good skaters now.” The pair of second graders were just two of the 8,600 visitors to enjoy Moberly’s new wintertime destination, which hosted its first season last winter. This year the rink will be open Nov. 29 to Dec. 29.
Moberly’s Ice Rink provides fun for adults and kids between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
Even if you’ve ice skated before, skating in Moberly will be a unique experience, as it features a synthetic ice rink. “You’re actually skating on plastic,” says Troy Bock, director of Moberly Parks and Recreation. “While it isn’t the same, synthetic ice offers the benefit of more consistent skating regardless of Missouri temperatures.”
The rink is made of synthetic plastic tiles that mimic ice. The surface is smooth and allows you to try fancy skating tricks, such as spins and jumps. You also wear traditional ice stakes. “Our rink does require a little more work from the skaters because it has more friction, so when you push off you don’t glide as long as you would on normal ice,” Troy says. “It’s not the same as ice, but it does allow folks to get the feel of ice skating.”
The rink hosts several special events tied to the holidays, such as extended hours during the Downtown Christmas Festival, glow parties and special guests like the Grinch.
The synthetic rink was a great fit in Moberly, Troy says, because it doesn’t require frigid temperatures, expensive equipment to maintain it or excessive maintenance. Instead, his team just cleans it each week and applies a conditioner. “If it snows or rains, we do have to shovel or squeegee that off,” he adds.
Beyond skating, visitors to the rink can purchase hot chocolate and cookies. Each week a civic club or nonprofit group runs the rink, with the assistance of the city’s parks and recreation department. Troy says the groups receive $1,500 in exchange for their time.
The ice rink is a great option for families to experience holiday magic and wintertime exercise. “With the rink and our other holiday events, we are trying to create that old-fashioned, small-town Christmas feel,” Troy says.
Several special events will take place during the rink’s season. Visitors may find themselves skating alongside the Grinch or a real-life Barbie. On Dec. 7, Moberly hosts its annual Mid-Missouri’s Christmas Festival, which includes a parade and vendors. The ice rink will be open extended hours.
“The rink is a great way to drive people to downtown Moberly,” says Troy Bock, director of Moberly Parks and Recreation. “It’s also a fun way to be active in the offseason and try a new sport.”
For the full Christmas experience, Troy recommends visiting Moberly’s Christmas Lights in the Park, which is a drive-through light display in Rothwell Park and open Dec. 1-23. Another option is the Moberly Mega Tree, which is a 40-foot animated tree that’s synchronized to multiple songs at Timber Lake Christian Church. It’s also open most of December.
Gracie’s mom, Andie Jamerson, says the rink has been a fantastic addition to Moberly for family fun. “The unique ice rink provides for smooth skating, which is easier for younger kids who don’t know how to skate,” she says. “It is affordable, fun and there are snacks. What else could you ask for?”
If You Go…
- Open Nov. 29 to Dec. 29 on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m.
- Cost is $5 per person or $25 per family per hour (includes skate rental). Hot chocolate and cookies available for purchase.
To learn more about the Moberly Ice Rink, visit moberly.com or www.facebook.com/thefennelmoberly. The rink is located at 315 North Clark St. in Moberly.